Read on to learn more about headaches on the right side of the head and remedies to help manage the pain.
Causes
A headache on the right side of the head may be caused by:Neurological issues
The following neurological conditions may be responsible for headaches on one side:
- Occipital neuralgia: This occurs when nerves running from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp (occipital nerves) become damaged or inflamed. Symptoms include sharp pain in the back of the head and neck, pain behind the eye, and sensitivity to light.
- Temporal arteritis: Arteries in the head and neck become inflamed with temporal arteritis. Along with muscle pain, it causes a severe headache on the side of the head. Other symptoms include fatigue, jaw pain, and tender temples.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: This causes intense pain in the face and head. The pain usually affects only one side at a time. It is caused by disruption to the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain.
Medication use
Headaches can occur as a side effect of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. They can also be caused by overusing medication, including OTC painkillers such as:- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- aspirin
- ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Headaches caused by medication overuse are often at their worst upon waking.
Other causes
Other causes of headaches can lead to pain across the entire head or just one side.These include:
- allergies
- an aneurysm, a weak or bulging artery wall
- fatigue
- head injury
- infections, including sinus infections
- fluctuations in blood sugar levels caused by missing meals
- muscle strains or knots in the neck
- tumors
What types of headache affect the right side?
There are over 300 types of headache, about 90 percent of which have no known cause.However, a migraine or a cluster headache are the most likely causes of a headache on the right side of the head. Tension headaches may also cause pain on one side in some people.
Migraines
The severe pulsating sensations or throbbing are usually accompanied by:
- blurred vision
- nausea
- sensitivity to light
- sensitivity to sound
- vomiting
The following factors can trigger migraines:
- bright lights
- changes in weather (humidity, heat, pressure)
- emotional stress or anxiety
- foods and drinks, such as alcohol, chocolate, cheese, and cured meats
- hormonal changes in women
- loud noises
- skipping meals
- strong smells
- tiredness
- too much or too little sleep
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are rare but severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns. The pain is intense and usually located around one eye. It may also radiate to other areas of the head and face, as well as the neck and shoulders.People typically experience frequent headache attacks (clusters) for weeks or months before a period of remission.
Other symptoms of cluster headaches include:
- facial sweating
- pale or flushed skin
- red or watery eyes
- restlessness
- stuffy or runny nose
- swelling around the affected eye
There is no cure for the condition, although treatments can reduce the number and severity of cluster headaches.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, occurring in 75 percent of people.They usually affect both sides of the head, but some people may have symptoms on one side only.
Signs include:
- dull, aching pain
- scalp tenderness
- tender or tight shoulder and neck muscles
- tightness or pressure across the forehead, sides, or back of the head
Occasional tension headaches can be treated with OTC pain relievers or home remedies. People with frequent tension headaches may need to change their lifestyle, identify and avoid triggers, or use prescription medications.
When to see a doctor
Many cases of headache will resolve on their own, without any intervention. People that experience headaches regularly should make an appointment with their doctor to identify the underlying cause.Anyone who experiences the following symptoms alongside a headache must seek medical attention:
- changes in vision
- confusion
- fever
- head injury
- increased pain during movement
- neck stiffness
- numbness
- personality or cognitive changes
- rash
- sleep disturbances
- slurred speech
- weakness
Tips for quick relief
- applying a warm or cold compress to the back of the neck
- avoiding foods that trigger headaches, including alcohol, caffeine, and MSG
- drinking water to address dehydration
- having a nap
- loosening tight hairstyles such as ponytails and braids
- massaging tight muscles in the neck and shoulders
- moving away from bright or flashing lights, loud noises, and strong smells
- stopping slouching, as muscular tension can cause headaches
- taking a warm bath or shower
- taking a break from screens, including computers, tablets, and television
- taking OTC painkillers, but avoiding excessive use of them as they can trigger rebound headaches
- doing breathing exercises to reduce pain and alleviate stress and anxiety
- using aromatherapy, diffusing oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint oils for tension headaches
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